April Training - Mountain Biking in Capitol Forest

Date: April 10th (We'll be doing this one again!)

Bike Trip Highlights: Due to low snow levels in the Olympic National Forest we moved the training location to Capitol Forest. The day was beautiful. 66 degrees with almost Full Sun! Himes, Starkman, Powell, Kenall and Bailey were present and accounted for.

Distance and Duration: The Distance was 10 miles (Yellow Trail). We started at the top around 10am at finished at Powells House around 1:30pm with breaks and lunch along the way.

Our Packing List: (We were prepared for the worst (winter biking), like any good Boy Scout )

1.) Bike with Spare Parts / Tools
a. Spare Tube / Patch Kit / Something to help you change a tire
b. Tools to adjust your Bike (Small Wrench, Allen wrenches, screw driver etc..)
c. Air Pump
d. I would advise against baskets or toe clips unless you are really good at getting in and out in a hurry.
e. I would shoot for like 40psi tire air pressure, nice and soft for traction and cushion.
f. Make sure BOTH your front and back brakes work and your chain is oiled up.
g. Nice WIDE Foot pedals with spikes (I have an extra pair if you need them)

2.) Clothing to wear
a. Hiking boots (Waterproof (ideal) )- something you can bike in but stay warm. In many areas you will likely get off your bike and push it up hill unless your Starkman the animal 
b. Nylon Liner Socks with a warm wool blend sock to keep wet feet warm
c. Biker shorts with a pad with convertible pant shorts over the top
d. Cotton T-Shirt with a Long Sleeve Polyester shirt over the top
e. Shop Glasses / clear glasses to protect your eyes from the wind.
f. Helmet
g. Biking Gloves

3.) Stuff for the day pack
a. Water (1/2 gallon should due)
b. Snacks / Lunch (we could be on the trail for 4 to 5 hours)
c. Rain Coat
d. Winter Hat (In a dry bag of some kind)
e. Winter gloves (In a dry bag of some kind)
f. Thin pair of long underwear (In a dry bag of some kind)
g. Extra T-Shirt (In a dry bag of some kind)
h. Extra Wool Blend Socks In a dry bag of some kind)
i. Wind breaker pants or bottoms to your convertible Pants
j. Compass
k. Waterproof Matches
l. Fire Starter – bring about 500ml of white gas
m. Cell Phone(turned OFF to Save the batteries) although coverage is hit and miss.
n. Trail Map – have 2 one on water proof paper
o. Flashlight
p. Whistle
q. Sun Lotion - for in the car in case the sun comes out.
r. Pocket Knife
s. Large Plastic Garbage Bag (Small dry Sleeping Surface)

Words of Wisdom - Starkman

Lucas - Who's Idea was this?

Powell and Himes - So how goes the botany?